Albert l



(ModeL) A. L. PITNEYj. v

Line Clasp.

No. 230,435. Patented July 27,1880.

N- PETERS, FHOTWUTKOGRAPHEYR, WASHINGTON. D. C

UNITED STATES PATENT, OFFICE.

ALBERT L. PITNEY, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA..

LINE-CLASP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 230,435, dated July 27, 1880. Application filed March 8, 1880. (Model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT L. PITNEY, of Washington, in the District of Columbia, have invented certain Improvements in Line Clasps or Fasteners, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, making part of this specification, in which- Figure 1 is a perspective View of my improved clamping device in an open position, ready for the reception of vthe line. Fig. 2 is a perspective View of my device closed, with a line se-. cured in place thereby. Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section through the same. Fig. 4 is a vertical longitudinal section through the center of the same. Fig. 5'is a rear elevation of the clasp, no line being in place.

Line-clasps as heretofore constructed are without exception liable to the objection that their exterior surfaces are irregular, presenting more or less angular projections, over or against which, during the dispatch necessarily employed in their application, the lines are apt to catch and become entangled, which causes delay and inconvenience to readjust them; besides which the clamping lever is sometimes accidentally thrown up, thus loosening the line and unfastening the bag or other article confined thereby. a

My present invention has for its purpose to remove this objection and also to simplify the construction of such devices; and it consists in a metal block whose external surface or contour approximates the shape of an egg flattened at its ends, which are open and communicate with the interior of the block, a longitudinal passage being formed thereby for the reception of the line, which, after being inserted therein and its length adjusted, is securely clamped in place by bringing down thereon a cam-lever pivoted within the sides of the block and provided withawedge-shaped projection formed centrally on the inside of the lever, at or nearits heel, the said wed ge-shaped projection servingto increase the gripe upon the line by imparting a lateral pressure thereto.

To enable others skilled in the art to understand and use my invention, I will proceed to describe the mannerin which I have carried it out.

In the said drawings, A represents a metallic block whose external form approximates that of an egg having its ends flattened, the interior of this block being recessed out and its ends being provided with openings at b, communicating therewith, so as to form a continuous longitudinal passage, a c b, for a line, B, centrally through the block, a bridge-piece, d, extending transversely over the opening I), for preventing the line from coming into contact with and throwing up the cam-lever C out of its griping position.

Within the sides of the block, near one of its ends, is pivoted the cam-lever C, of the form seen in Figs. 1 and 4, the top of the lever, when closed in the position shown in Figs. 2 and 3, lying flush with the smooth top of the block, which thus presents throughout its external conformation a surface of nearly uniform taper and roundness, no angular projections arising to interfere with the confinin g-line as itis shortened or lengthened. The cam-lever G is provided at its center witha double-wedge-shaped projection, 6, extending slightly below the heel of the cam, so as to pass in between the two lengths of the cord in the block and exert a lateral pressure, which ,serves to fqrcibl y jam the two lengths against the interior of the respective sides of the block, the combined action of the cam and the double-wedge-shaped projection preventing .the possibility of slipping and without injury to the cord.

In the application of my device as a fastener for the cord of a mail-bag, the lever being up, as shown in Fig. 1, the two ends of the cord which gathers the folds of the mouth of the bag are introduced through the rear opening, a, and conducted through the block out of the front opening, I), and when the folds are drawn together so as to take up their slack the fastener is slid down on the cord as close to the mouth of the bag as is convenient, when the lever is brought down, closing the space in the top of the block, Figs. 2 and 4., which has the effect of forcing the heel of the cam down upon the cord and the wedge-shaped projection ebetween its two lengths, thus securely confining it, as desired. When the bagisto be opened to remove its contents the end of the lever C is pressed outward from its seat by applying the thumb thereto, when the pressure of the cam l upon the cord is immediately released therefrom, and the clamp is readily slid along the cord away from the bag.

My improved device is capable of general use where lines, ropes, oreords are to belengthcued or shortened, and the tying, untying, and knotting thereof is avoided.

It is evident my improved device may also be used to advantage in adjusting the lengths of bell-cords of railroad-trains, clothes-lines,&c.

Besides its strength, simplicity, and compactness of construction, my improved clasp possesses the important feature of an outward form which peculiarly adapts it for various uses in all positions with extreme facility and reliability.

I claim- As an improvement in devices for fastening lines, 830., the block A, of an outward form approximatingthat of an egg flattened at its ends, and provided with a bridge-piece, d, and with A. L. PITNEY. Witnesses:

N. W. STEARNS, S. R. BARR.

20 a continuous longitudinal passage, a c b, r 

